The Next Top Model franchise, originally crated by Tyra Banks in 2003, has expanded to an estimated 120 countries across the world. Of those 120 countries it is believed that Holland is the first to crown a transgender woman as their winner.

Twenty-year-old Loiza Lamers underwent gender reassignment surgery two years ago. When she entered the contest she did not disclose her past. It wasn’t until she was one of the last 13 models on the show that she opened up about her surgery. For Lamers, being on Holland’s Next Top Model was a validation of her decision and a point of pride for transition.

Isis King was the first transgender model to find fame on America’s Next Top Model. She has gone to to be the face of American Apparel and walk for Betsey Johnson.